Mary Candelaria Guerrero

In memory of Mary Candelaria Guerrero, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend, who passed away unexpectedly on December 28, 2024 at the age of 97 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Mary was born on March 26, 1927 in Eaton, Colorado to loving parents Enrique (Henry) and Manuelita Chacon. She leaves behind a legacy of love, friendship, laughter, and family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Enrique and Manuelita Chacon; her sister Maria Luz (husband Daniel Apodaca), brother Eugenio Chacon (wife Esther), sister Rosa (husband Conrad Gonzales), brother Juan Chacon (wife Ermalinda), brother James Eddie Chacon (wife Erminda), and sister Verlinda (husband Paul Salazar). She predeceased her first husband, Jose Elijio Quintana, and her second husband, Henry Guerrero.

Mary is survived by her three children Albert (Louise) Quintana, Bernadine Quintana, and Michael (Sharon) Quintana; her grandchildren Desarey Quintana, Melody (Carlos) Mora, Javier (Jennifer) Quintana, José (Adriana) Bustos, Enrica (Kevin) Bustos-Creviston, Lucas (Olivia) Bustos, Desiree (Augustine) Perez, Anthony (Julia) Quintana, and Briana Quintana; her great grandchildren Cortez Mora, Monte Mora, Destiny Espinoza, Natalya Espinoza, AJ Bustos, Alejandra Peña, Alicia Peña, Cameron Creviston, Caitlin Grow, Caileigh Black, Courtney Chamberlain, Lucas Bustos Jr, Amari Guerrero, Emily Guerrero, Vincent (Jasmine) Perez, Sabrina (JR) Pacheco, Markuis (Sineka) Perez, Tierra Perez, Jacob Perez, and Sebastian Quintana; and her great great grandchildren Dayton Perez, Destiny Perez, and Serenity Pacheco.

Mary was a spiritual woman who cherished her faith, family, and friends. She loved to dance as a young girl and met her first love and husband Joe at a dance in New Mexico. Their skill and love earned them first place with a grand prize of a bag of pinto beans. That reignited her love of dancing that would continue throughout her entire life. She could always be found dancing in the kitchen and at dance halls with a spirit that encouraged all others to join.

All knew her as a devoted Catholic who had an active involvement in the church. Her joy and celebration of faith was always shown through her songs and participation in her various church choirs where she sang both Spanish and English songs of worship. Mary was also a captain for the Legions of Mary, member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, and member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Mary was a prayer warrior who participated in prayer chains and 40 Days for Life in addition to being a friend and spiritual leader for those in need. In her final years, she was a member of the ministry Time Out in Oklahoma where she could often be found sharing the stories of her life, teaching her friends to dance, and singing songs to bring joy to all who heard.

Mary was dedicated to the education and support of her children by being an active classroom mother and sponsor for cub scouts and taught religious education classes for the community. She also worked many Derby fairs and was in charge of the Mexican food booth to engage with those she held dear and loved. When not dancing and singing, Mary loved to cook and celebrate with her family. She could be found making tamales, empanadas, biscochitos, chili verde, and her famous popcorn balls for Christmas. Her dedication to family took her across Colorado, Oklahoma, and other parts of the United States to support her children and grandchildren in their athletic and academic pursuits, always being their biggest cheerleader.

Her legacy of faith, family, and laughter will be remembered by all who were met with her smile and embrace that radiated love.

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